Though the film industry in India has been open about LGBTQ+, the idea of implementing into the main storyline of the movie scripts is still a no-no. Many web series have portrayed the different sexualities and acceptance of the queer community,however movies still lack to take that powerful step. Till now only 2 Bollywood movies (‘EK Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ and ‘Shubh Mangal Zyaada Saavdhan’) have openly spoken about homosexuality.
But the Telugu movie industry also took a bold step in portraying a lesbian relationship. The movie ‘Awe’ was released in 2018. The film was produced by Actor Nani. It was directed by Prasanth Varma starring Kajal Agarwal, Nithya Menen, Regina Cassandra and Priyadarshini Pullikonda in the lead roles. Awe is an experimental film. It is one of a kind in the Tollywood movie industry that has ever been released. The movie has a tinge of love and horror. The scenes in the movie are played by different protagonists on a parallel screenplay that makes us distracted but you will understand the complete story only at the end of the movie.
Now, let’s focus on how the film portrayed the lesbian relationship between Krishna and Radha. Actor Nithya Menen plays the role of Krishna (Krishnaveni or Krish as used in movie) and the role of Radha is played by Eesha Rebba.
Spoiler Alert:
Radha tells her parents that she is in a relationship with a person named Krishna and wants them to meet her. Radha’s parents being very orthodox tries to tell her that an arranged marriage is better than a love marriage but Radha tells them that her parents that they will Krish once they meet them. The premises is a a coffee shop where Radha and her parents are waiting for Krish to arrive. This is where the movie literally makes us to say ‘awe’….
While Radha’s parents are eagerly expecting the boyfriend, Nithya Menen introduces herself as Krishna to them. It is then revealed that Krishna and Radha are lesbian lovers. Radha’s parents object them of their relationship and tells them that they cannot accept a same-sex marriage. Krish steps in and tries to explain to Radha’s parents that Krish is a Psychiatrist and she met Radha in her clinic when she came for a therapy. Krish explains that Radha’s childhood incidents have made her to develop hatred towards men which led a change in her sexual orientation. Radha’s parents are moved when they get to know the full story of their daughter.
Finally, at the end of the movie it is revealed that all the characters were merely a personality in the mind of Kali. The role of Kali is played by Kajal Agarwal who suffers from multiple personality disorder. Even the character of Krish and Radha was just a reflection in Kali’s life. The movie ends with Kali shooting herself with a gun and all the virtual characters die at the same time.
